Linda Metcalf, Ph.D., director of graduate counseling programs for Texas Wesleyan University, has been named the 2015 Texas Mother of the Year.

Metcalf is one of only 50 women from across the nation chosen to receive the Mother of the Year honor, and the only Texas Mother of the Year. 

The award was presented during the 80th annual National Convention of American Mothers in Washington, D.C. The American Mothers, Inc. conference honors and celebrates women in their role as mothers.

"Dr. Metcalf has been a great role model for women and families, and has touched many lives throughout her career," said Karen King, immediate past president of the American Mothers, Inc. Texas Association. "We are proud to award this honor to her."

Each honoree represented a state from the 48 contiguous states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. American Mothers, Inc. has been honoring moms since 1935. 

Metcalf was also asked to serve on the organization’s national board of directors. Her first board meeting will be in October, and will feature a tour of the United Nations and lunch with delegates.

Nominated by Wesleyan Ph.D. student 

Metcalf was nominated for the award by her student, Kathleen Sweeney.

Sweeney is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy at Texas Wesleyan, and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

"The [Marriage and Family Therapy] Ph.D. program is the brainchild of Dr. Metcalf and she guides her students through it," Sweeney said. "Like an intentional parent, she has exposed her ‘kids’ to the best she can muster."

She struck me as the quintessential mother — she is a rock of knowledge and experience, coupled with a gentle approach and nurturing posture."

About Linda 

Metcalf is the mother of three successful young adults and has been married to her husband, Roger, for 40 years.

Along with being a mother, Metcalf is a former middle school teacher, all-level school counselor, licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist. She received her bachelor's in education from Baylor University, her M.Ed. in school counseling from Texas Christian University and her Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy from Texas Woman's University.

Most recently, Metcalf is the "mother" of a new cohort of Ph.D. students. She is eager to nurture and mentor others in the field of marriage and family therapy.